Hmm, maybe it is, Lorna. In the first season, Joe was 100% supportive of Alison's "gift" while managing to keep both feet on solid ground -- a fantasy husband. That was the picture implanted in my head, at least. Until recently.

For a while this year Life Channel reran the show, two episodes per night, five nights a week. I saw a bunch of them. So close together, Joe's behavior became more noticeable. He'd argue with Alison over what seemed like every little thing; he'd even dismiss her attempts at figuring things out. There was a lot of yelling. A lot. In the long run, Joe has not been nearly as supportive as I'd thought he was. And in this last episode Lorna's talking about, he pretty much turned his back on her. They were lovey-dovey again by the end, but that episode left me unconvinced.

By the way, is there a single episode of Medium in which someone does NOT say "I don't know what to tell you"???

Newhart was nominated for an Emmy for a serious role he played on ER. I didn't see it, but I do have trouble visualizing him doing straight drama. However, since his scenes are with Ducky, I don't imagine they'll be all that straight.

Another actor who was a victim of type casting that I always thought could do dramatic roles was Don Adams. I didn't watch Get Smart much; it didn't seem all that funny to me. But in a couple of interviews I saw, Adams was composed, articulate, and quietly authoritative. One time he mentioned that for all the post-series roles he was offered, the producers wanted the Maxwell Smart voice. He never really got away from the role.

Notice that didn't get much coverage? Burning down your camp is a pretty big deal, I'd say, but it got hardly any air time. Whatever happened, they didn't want to show it for some reason. Must have been pretty bad.

Is anyone watching Boardwalk Empire? If it was a movie, it would be X-rated. They're sure not holding back much.